Helena (or Helen) was born about 255, and married to the Roman general
Constantius Chlorus, who became emperor of Britain, Gaul, and Spain when
Diocletian divided the Empire. In 274 she bore him a son, Constantine,
but in 292 he divorced her in order to cement a political alliance by
another marriage. Most historians say that she was born in Drepanum (now
Helenopolis) in Asia Minor; but an old tradition asserts that she was
born in Britain, in Colchester (51:54 N 0:54 E), and was the
daughter of the chieftain Cole, remembered today as Old King Cole. If so,
she may have been a Christian from birth, since Christianity was well
established in that region. In 306, after the death of Constantius, the
army at York (53:58 N 1:05 W) proclaimed Constantine emperor in his
father's place, and by 312 he was master of the Western Empire and issued
an Edict of Toleration that made the practice of Christianity legal for
the first time in over 200 years. Helena worked enthusiastically to
promote Christianity, and eventually went to the Holy Land, where she
spent large sums on the relief of the poor and on building churches on
sacred sites. She is particularly associated with the discovery at
Jerusalem (31:47 N 35:13 E), near the probable site of Calvary, of a
wooden cross that was accepted as the actual cross on which Jesus was
crucified. (The earliest accounts of this discovery, however, do not
mention her.)

At least two prominent English novelists have written about her. Evelyn
Waugh wrote a novel called Helena, and Dorothy L
Sayers wrote a play called The Emperor Constantine for the
2000th anniversary of the founding of the city of Colchester. I have not
read the former, but can recommend the latter as interesting and
informative, both historically and theologically.

PRAYER (traditional language)

Almighty God, who didst call thy servant Helena to an earthly
Throne that she might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst
endue her with zeal for thy Church and charity towards thy
people; Grant unto us thy people that we may be fruitful in
good works, and steadfast in our faith in thee, and finally by
thy mercy may attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one
God, now and ever.

PRAYER (contemporary language)

Almighty God, who called your servant Helena to an earthly
Throne so that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and
filled her with zeal for your Church and love for your people;
Grant to us your people that we may be fruitful in good works,
and steadfast in our faith in you, and finally by your mercy
may attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
ever.